Systematizing Adult Education: Final Evaluation Report of the Connecticut Adult Performance Program (CAPP).

Alamprese, Judith A.

Connecticut's Adult Performance Program (CAPP), which was initiated in 1986, is a mix of policies, training, and technical assistance activities based on the following elements: specification of expected competency-based program outcomes; development of an assessment and instructional model to facilitate achievement of the program outcomes; provision of strong leadership from Connecticut Department of Education staff; and creation of a support system consisting of centralized staff development and technical assistance services. A private corporate evaluated the CAPP initiative from 1986 to 1992. The evaluation confirmed that the CAPP initiative has resulted in significant improvements in the management of Connecticut's adult education system, positive impacts on adult learners' mastery of basic skills and achievement of their educational goals, and overall strengthening of the delivery of adult basic education (especially in the areas of staff development, alignment of curriculum in adult education programs, standardization of local adult education program procedures, and formalization of strong collaborative networks within the adult education system and among education, job training, and welfare programs). The evaluation also resulted in recommendations regarding further refining the CAPP program in the areas of program management, program operation, and interagency cooperation. (The administrator, facilitator, and instructor surveys used in the evaluation are appended.) (MN)